Frequently Asked Questions

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a permanent replacement for a missing tooth. One or more root-shaped fixtures are placed into bone and, after healing, become the support for a crown, a bridge or denture. The entire process can be done comfortably right in our office and is appropriate for most people with missing teeth.

What can be done to Improve the Appearance of my Smile?

There are a variety of procedures that can be used to improve the appearance of individual teeth to create a pleasing smile. Cosmetic bonding involves applying tooth-colored filling material to change the shape or shade of the teeth. This works best when small changes are needed, such as closing a gap between two teeth.

For teeth that are broken or have large fillings, onlays or crowns are recommended. An onlay is a solid piece of porcelain that is bonded to the tooth, providing strength and support. A crown covers the entire tooth and allows for the greatest amount of change. All-porcelain crowns are often used for front teeth because they provide a very life-like appearance.

Veneers are a thin but strong porcelain “shell” permanently bonded to the tooth’s surface with a strong resin adhesive. Veneers resist and maintain their excellent appearance for many years. They are a proven cosmetic remedy for a variety of dental conditions that affect the appearance of the front teeth.

Why don’t we use silver fillings?

Although silver (amalgam) fillings have been used in dentistry for many years, advances in tooth-colored restorative materials make them a better choice providing added strength. The obvious advantage is the significant improvement in appearance.

Will my child need braces?

When your child is seen for a regular cleaning appointment, the dentist will examine him or her for cavities and will also evaluate your child’s dental development, looking for proper positioning and timely eruption of their adult teeth. If problems are noted, your child may be referred to our orthodontist for additional evaluation and a recommendation as to the proper timing of treatment. In some children, early corrective measures may reduce or eliminate the need for full braces.

Can Dentistry be affordable at Acorn Dental?

Absolutely! Acorn Dental accepts most insurance plans and our treatment coordinators will work with you to help get the most out of your dental benefits. A variety of payment options are available to enable you to complete your treatment in a timely fashion.

What is Involved with Tooth Whitening?

Tooth whitening (bleaching) is easy and effective. The process involves removing the stains that have accumulated over time on the surface of the teeth to reveal the natural, lighter shade of the teeth. Whitening does not harm the teeth. Some patients report that their teeth become somewhat sensitive to cold, but this quickly resolves once the bleaching is stopped.
The most common means of whitening teeth is home whitening. A whitening gel is placed into a custom-made mouthguard which is worn for 2 – 3 hours during the day or overnight. Good results are achieved in about 2 weeks.

How do I know if Tooth Whitening is for me?

We’re glad to help you determine if you’re a good candidate. First, for your safety, we need to check the strength and condition of your teeth through an exam and x-rays. Then, before recommending tooth whitening for you, we need to diagnose the exact cause of your tooth discoloration. A number of factors can contribute to discoloration, including:

Tetracycline (antibiotic) staining

Excessive fluoride

Trauma (injury) to the teeth

Pulp (nerve) degeneration

Restorative materials (silver, gold)

Genetic and acquired illnesses

Aging

Use of staining substances, such as coffee, tea or tobacco

What Tooth-Whitening Options Are Available?

Depending upon your unique situation, we may offer one of two different types of tooth-whitening systems: in-office (active) or at home use (passive) under our professional supervision. Sometimes we recommend a combination of both to give you the best results in the least amount of time. Regardless of which type of system is best for you, it’s important that you follow our professional recommendations. We want to be sure you receive the best and safest treatment available.

What Happens During In-Office Tooth Whitening?

This procedure is done in a series of appointments (usually three to five) until the desired effect is achieved. During the visits, we take a number of steps:

Apply lubricant to your gums

Place a protective material (dental dam) around the necks of your teeth to shield your gums, tongue and lips

Clean your teeth to remove excess lubricant

Apply conditioner to your teeth, then rinse and dry them

Apply the whitening solution to the teeth, and leave it on for a period of time

Rinse and polish your teeth

What Happens During Passive Tooth Whitening?

This procedure involves wearing a custom-fitted appliance containing tooth-whitening solution. You must wear this appliance for a period of days or weeks as we prescribe for your situation. In many cases, nighttime application alone is sufficient to achieve the results you desire. When undergoing the passive tooth-whitening program, you must return to the office periodically. These appointments ensure that the whitening system is working effectively and that your teeth and gums remain healthy.

Are Touch Ups Ever Required?

To stay whiter and brighter, your teeth may require periodic touch ups requiring that you wear your appliance with the whitening solution for a few days to a week. Please call us to discuss your needs, and we’ll be happy to advise you.

Are There Any Side Effects from Tooth Whitening?

Some patients’ teeth exhibit a chalky appearance for a short time, due to a slight dehydration caused by the tooth-whitening solution. Occasionally, patients experience mild sensitivity to cold food and beverages for a day or two following the procedure.